Perry Stokes Airport (KTAD)

5-Year Development Roadmap for Community Stakeholders
January 2026

This document presents a coordinated 5-year development roadmap for Perry Stokes Airport, outlining projects that require partnership between Pinnacle Jet Centers and Las Animas County. Use the navigation boxes below to jump to detailed sections, or click any project in the timeline to see its full description. The color-coded timeline shows who is responsible for each initiative: blue for private investment, green for County projects, purple for joint partnerships, and orange for grant-funded work.

Development Timeline 2025–2029

Click any project bar to jump to its detailed description

Pinnacle Jet Centers (Private)
Las Animas County
Joint Partnership
Grant Funded

Part I: Airport Vision

Purpose

Further development of the historic Perry Stokes Airport will require a coordinated effort between business stakeholders and public entities. This proposal provides a 10 year development roadmap with key milestones that are needed to create new economic opportunities at and near the airport. The milestones in this report are a mix of private and public development efforts.

Vision

Our vision for Perry Stokes airport is to create opportunity. By reducing the infrastructure, business incentive, and aviation service barriers to growth, we believe development will occur. The milestones established in this report are intended to encourage general, commercial, and military aviation utilization that will benefit our community and fund continued airport growth.

Our goal, at a minimum, is to implement the following improvements by 2035:
  • A full service FBO capable of meeting all aircraft support demands, including overnight hangaring capability
  • Runway access and safety improvements
  • Dedicated helipads and hot refuel points to deconflict rotary and fixed wing traffic
  • Up to 12 privately owned 60x60' (or similar sized) hangars
  • Support to an industrial park focused on advanced manufacturing businesses

By 2035, conditions are set to pursue more advanced aviation opportunities, such as a flight for life base, boutique passenger air service, or vocational flight and maintenance training.

Current Limitations to Growth

The last two years have shown significant growth across General, Business, and Military Aviation segments. However, further growth is limited by a number of infrastructure and service factors:

Immediate Airport Infrastructure Needs:

Private Taxilane
Enables Private Hangar Development
Hot Refuel Point
Increases capacity for air traffic
RWY 03 "Teacup"
Improves Runway access and safety

Immediate Airport Facility Needs:

Airport Terminal Improvements
Functional and cosmetic updates
Hangar Share Program
Temp solution for overnight hangaring
Large Overnight Rental Hangar
Large expected increase in jet traffic

Immediate FBO Service Expansion Needs:

Rental Cars
Enables more overnight stays
Lav, GPU, Tug, O2, and De-ice
Improved services for large aircraft
Full Service AVGAS Truck
Improves offerings for Piston aircraft
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Path to Commercial Passenger Service

Commercial Air Service at Perry Stokes Airport is a long term vision requiring 10-15 years of sustained investment and demonstrated growth. This section establishes the realistic framework for achieving scheduled passenger service while setting appropriate expectations.

Similar Communities Have Achieved This

Two Paths to Commercial Service

Essential Air Service Scheduled Public Charter
Federal Subsidy Yes - DOT subsidizes operations No - market-driven
Airport Certification FAA Part 139 required Part 139 not required
Federal Oversight Extensive - inspections, ARFF, staffing Standard GA requirements
Passenger Cost Lower (subsidized fares) Higher (unsubsidized)
Trinidad Viability Possible but highly unlikely Primary pathway
Trinidad's EAS Eligibility: The airport did receive scheduled airline service historically: Continental Airlines operated service from 1949-1957 and commuter flights from 1969-1971. This means that Perry Stokes technically qualifies for Essential Air Service (EAS) eligibility. However, given current federal budget pressures on the EAS program, the infrastructure required to meet Part 139 requirements, and the significant capital improvements needed before any commercial service is viable, EAS restoration is possible but highly unlikely. The scheduled public charter model remains the more realistic pathway.

Infrastructure Prerequisites

Commercial service cannot be solicited until critical CIP projects are complete:

Conditions for Success

Community Conditions Necessary for Commercial Air Service

Infrastructure alone does not justify commercial air service. Scheduled public charter flights operate without federal subsidy, meaning fares will be higher than subsidized routes. Service viability depends on sufficient demand from business travelers, tourists, and residents with the means and frequency of travel to support regular flights.

Pinnacle Jet Centers' role: Our mission is to promote development of Perry Stokes Airport for the benefit of aviators and to support the local community. Accordingly, we will continue laying the groundwork for commercial air service from the facility and operations side—pursuing passenger terminal upgrades, generating increased business aviation activity, constructing hangars, and expanding services required for passenger jet operations. This work proceeds regardless of whether commercial service is ultimately pursued, as it supports the airport's broader growth.

The community's role: Only community stakeholders and elected officials can determine whether incurring the expense of commercial-service-specific infrastructure upgrades is in the community's best interest. This is not a decision that should be made by airport operators or assumed as inevitable. It requires deliberate assessment of whether Trinidad and Las Animas County have reached the economic conditions necessary to sustain air service.

A Proposed Framework

We recommend that Las Animas County, the City of Trinidad, Trinidad State College, and Emergent Campus collectively develop a set of community readiness conditions. These specific, measurable indicators would signal that the region is prepared to support commercial air service.

Potential readiness indicators might include:

These are suggested examples of conditions to select. The specific indicators must be determined by the stakeholders who will ultimately bear responsibility for the decision.

The Path Forward: Commercial air service at Perry Stokes Airport is achievable if the community grows into it. Pinnacle Jet Centers will continue building the airport's capacity and reputation. The question for Las Animas County and Trinidad leaders is not whether to pursue air service today, but to select the conditions that determine when to pursue it. The path exists. The community must decide when—and whether—to walk it.
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Part II: Airport Growth Targets

Hangars and Parking

Hangars and Parking 2025 (Actual) 2030 (Projected) 2035 (Target)
T-Hangars 22 22 22
Privately Owned Hangars 1 4 6-12
Overnight Hangar Parking Capacity 0 3 3
Jet Parking Spots (Hangar+Outdoor) 4 10 10

Annual Operations

Annual Operations 2025 (Actual) 2030 (Projected) 2035 (Target)
Passenger Enplanements Est 624 Est 936 Est 1,344
Business Aviation Operations (Jets+Multi Engine) 886 (156 jets) 1,146 (234 jets) 1,248 (336 jets)
Military Aviation Operations (Helicopters) 668 835 800
General Aviation Operations (Single Engine) 7,582 9,098 12,100

Fuel Flowage

Fuel Flowage 2025 (Actual) 2030 (Projected) 2035 (Target)
Business Aviation Fuel Sales (Jet-A) 12,376 gal 24,752 gal 67,200 gal
Military Aviation Fuel Sales (Jet-A) 155,334 gal 240,000 gal 300,000 gal
General Aviation Fuel Sales (AVGAS) 31,364 gal 37,636 gal 45,000 gal

Annual Revenues Generated

Annual Revenues Generated 2025 (Actual) 2030 (Projected) 2035 (Target)
Flowage Fees paid to LAC $0 $15,119 $20,610
Ground Leases paid to LAC $1,351 $6,302 $11,304
Sales Taxes Paid $8,848 $15,718 $18,136
Fuel Excise Taxes (Fed and State) $12,378 $14,480 $27,994
Payroll Taxes (employee and employer) $37,796 $52,914 $75,592
Total Fed, State, and Local Revenue $60,373 $104,533 $153,636

Economic Impacts

Economic Impacts 2025 (Actual) 2030 (Projected) 2035 (Target)
Direct Employment 5 7 10
Indirect Employment (CEIS Airport Study) Est 35 Est 49 Est 70
FBO Local Spend (includes Payroll) $254,888 $318,610 $509,776
Estimated Direct Impact to Tourism
(estimated $640 per enplaned passenger)
Est $399,360 Est $599,040 Est $860,160
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Proposed Airport Fee Schedule

Airport Owned Hangar Monthly Rental

Airport Owned Hangar Monthly Rental Current 2030 2035
T-Hangar $125/mo $250/mo $325/mo
End Storage Unit, Medium $100/mo $116/mo $135/mo
End Storage Unit, Large $125/mo $145/mo $170/mo

Ground Lease Rates (On New Leases)

Ground Lease Rates Current 2026 2035
Small Hangar
(3,600 sf or below)
$0.05/sf per year $100/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after
$130/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after
Mid-Sized Hangar
(3,601 sf – 10,000 sf)
$0.05/sf per year $150/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after
$195/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after
Large Hangar
(Greater than 10,000 sf)
$0.05/sf per year $300/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after
$391/mo
First 5 years, 3% escalation after

Fuel Flowage Fees

Fuel Flowage Fees 2026 2030 2035
Flowage Fees to LAC $0.05/gallon $0.05/gallon $0.05/gallon
Flowage Fees to Airport Authority* N/A $0.10/gallon $0.10/gallon

*PJC proposes establishing the Perry Stokes Airport Authority in 2027. See Perry Stokes Airport Authority project in Part III.

Airport Fee Usage Projections

Airport Fee Usage 2025 2030 2035
Fees to Las Animas County $1,351 $21,421 $31,904
Fees to Airport Authority N/A $113,464 $134,320
Less Forecasted Airport Management Cost N/A ($89,000) ($109,000)
Remaining Funds for Airport Capex N/A $24,464/yr $25,320/yr
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Project Details

2025 Projects

Bathroom Renovation

2025 • In Progress
Purpose
Modernize the historic terminal's bathroom facilities to meet ADA compliance and support overnight aircraft crews.
Project Description
Complete demolition of both existing bathrooms, replacement of all electrical and plumbing fixtures to align with new septic lines, and rough-in of one shower with new electrical throughout. The finished bathrooms will feature high-end tile and brushed stainless fixtures to create an elegant, comfortable facility capable of supporting aircrews staying overnight. All work meets ADA compliance requirements including installation of a water fountain.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Private Investment)
Timeline
Bath 1 Complete by Jan 2026 • Bath 2 Complete by June 2026
Total Investment
$40,288
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Storage Unit Buildout

2025 • In Progress
Purpose
Maximize use of existing rentable spaces by converting end units to vehicle and equipment storage.
Project Description
Replace garage doors on three hangar buildings and produce long-term storage agreements with a multi-year fee structure. Converting these underutilized spaces creates additional revenue while providing valuable covered storage options for airport tenants and community members.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Private Investment)
Timeline
Doors installed Dec 2025 • New leases in 2026
Total Investment
$5,000
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Septic System

2025 • Complete
Purpose
Replace aging septic infrastructure to support terminal improvements and future development.
Project Description
This critical infrastructure upgrade ensures the terminal can accommodate increased usage from growing airport traffic and sets the foundation for bathroom renovations and other facility improvements.
Who Pays
Las Animas County
Timeline
Complete
Total Investment
County Funded
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Hangar Share Program

2025 • Complete
Purpose
Creative solution to provide transient jet hangaring using existing privately owned hangar space through business partnership.
Project Description
In the absence of a dedicated transient rental hangar, PJC established a business partnership with hangar owners to create an accessible reservation system, ensuring service availability for transient private jets. This interim solution addresses a critical gap in airport services until larger hangar facilities can be constructed.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Operational)
Timeline
Complete December 2025
Total Investment
$0 (Partnership)
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2026 Projects

Apron & Teacup Crack Repairs

Spring 2026
Purpose
Fill major cracks on airport surfaces prior to seal coat project. Uses CDOT statewide programs for materials.
Project Description
Apply mastic to major cracks along Taxiway A3, A4, and the Runway 21 teacup which are severe and must be addressed before seal coating can be effective. PJC will pick up the mastic machine from Colorado Springs (KCFO) and apply approximately 40 hours of labor to fill large cracks across the airport.
Who Pays
CDOT (90% materials) • County (~$1,000) • PJC (~$1,330 labor)
Timeline
Spring 2026 (before seal coat)
Total Project Cost
~$10,000 (mostly CDOT)
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Airport Seal Coat

Spring 2026
Purpose
CDOT-funded maintenance to prolong current asphalt lifespan on runways and taxiways.
Project Description
This preventative maintenance treatment protects pavement from weather damage and extends the usable life of airport surfaces, deferring the need for more costly reconstruction. The crack repair project must be completed before seal coating can begin.
Who Pays
CDOT Division of Aeronautics • County coordination
Timeline
March 2026 (estimated)
Total Investment
CDOT Funded
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Private Hangar Taxilane

2026
Purpose
Build taxilane to provide access to 6 potential ground lease plots for private hangar development. Creates new County revenue stream.
Project Description
This project unlocks significant private investment potential by enabling aircraft owners to build their own hangars on County-leased land. Road and Bridge will source and place necessary base aggregate, while the County will contract asphalt work. An environmental assessment (NEPA) is required before construction can begin.
Who Pays
Las Animas County (Road & Bridge + contracted asphalt)
Potential Revenue
$10,800/year in ground lease fees to County
Timeline
2026 (Environmental assessment + construction)
Total Investment
TBD
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Rental Car Service

Spring 2026
Purpose
Partner with nationally recognized rental car company to address major limitation of ground transportation availability.
Project Description
The current courtesy car is insufficient to meet peak demand during spring and fall, resulting in lost flight reservations. PJC will partner with a nationally recognized rental car company to provide flight crews with reliable rental cars during all seasons. This service addition removes a significant barrier to airport utilization and supports increased business aviation traffic.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Operational Partnership)
Timeline
Agreement in progress • Launch Spring 2026
Total Investment
$0 (Partnership)
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New Radio Frequency (CTAF)

Spring 2026
Purpose
Safety improvement—all nearby airports share the same frequency, causing confusion. New dedicated frequency reduces pilot confusion.
Project Description
Currently, all nearby airports use the same Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), resulting in radio transmissions from pilots at other airports cluttering Perry Stokes communications. A dedicated frequency will reduce confusion for pilots operating at Perry Stokes, particularly student pilots and those unfamiliar with the area. PJC will request the new frequency from the FCC and coordinate publication changes with the FAA.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers
Timeline
FCC application Jan 2026 • 30-90 days for approval
Total Investment
Administrative Only
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Terminal Renovation

2026-2027
Purpose
Modernize airport terminal while preserving historic character. Includes cosmetic improvements, mechanical/electrical upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements.
Project Description
Phase 1 (PJC-funded) includes refinishing historic wood wainscot, repairing trim throughout, painting interior spaces, renovating the pilot lounge, building an aircrew overnight room, and exterior improvements including pergola replacement and fixture repairs. Phase 2 (grant-dependent) includes installation of a 6-zone cold-climate mini-split system, replacing the 1950s boiler with a high-efficiency unit, modernizing electrical panels, installing a commercial water heater, and replacing 33 single-pane windows with energy-efficient period-appropriate units.
Who Pays
If ATP Grant Awarded: PJC $38,244 + Federal $194,642
If Not Awarded: PJC $48,000
Timeline
Cosmetics: Summer 2026 • MEP (if grant): May-Sept 2027
Total Project Cost
$204,886 - $232,886
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Airport Minimum Standards

Fall 2026
Purpose
Establish standardized requirements for commercial entities (insurance, operating standards) to ensure all businesses meet County vision for airport development.
Project Description
Growing aeronautical use creates opportunities for commercial leasing at the airport. Commercial Minimum Standards create a standardized list of requirements for all commercial entities, including insurance requirements, business operating standards, and facility maintenance expectations. Las Animas County, advised by their engineer of record and the FBO, will approve standards covering all commercial and private aeronautical users as well as non-aeronautical users in the planned industrial park.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (50%) • Las Animas County (50%)
Timeline
Fall 2026
Total Investment
TBD (shared 50/50)
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90th Anniversary Fly-In & Community Event

August 2026
Purpose
Celebrate Perry Stokes Airport's 90th anniversary. Generate local interest in aviation and showcase airport improvements to community and visiting aviators.
Project Description
The two-day event includes a Fly-In open to aviators (free overnight parking, fuel sold at cost, shuttle service to town) and a Community Day open to the public. Community Day will showcase airport improvements with military helicopter static displays from Fort Carson, corporate jet displays, aviation career booths, and discovery flights for interested community members. This event introduces the community to aviation career opportunities while demonstrating the airport's growth to regional aviators.
Features
Military helicopter static displays • Corporate jet displays • Aviation career booths • Discovery flights • Food vendors • Shuttle service
Who Leads
Pinnacle Jet Centers • Trinidad Downtown Association • Las Animas County
Timeline
August 29-30, 2026
Expected Attendance
Up to 800 people
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90th Anniversary Event Layout

90th Anniversary Fly-In Event Layout
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2027 Projects

Establish Perry Stokes Airport Authority

January 2027
Purpose
Create non-profit entity responsible for airport maintenance, lessee management, and minimum standards enforcement. Common structure at growing regional airports.
Project Description
The Perry Stokes Airport Authority would manage day-to-day airport operations, collect and administer airport fees, and ensure all airport businesses comply with established standards. This governance structure is common at growing regional airports and prepares Perry Stokes for increased commercial activity. The full degree of authority granted will be established in the Authority's charter at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.
Benefits
• Allows airport to charge an additional $0.10/gallon fuel flowage fees from military sales for airport upkeep and development
• Funds 1-2 airport maintenance employees
• Reduces BOCC approval burden for routine decisions, such as renewing leases
• ~$25,000/year retained in Airport Capital Fund
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (charter development)
Cost to County
$0
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Main Hangar Construction

Summer 2027
Purpose
Construct 75'x85' insulated hangar capable of holding two light business jets (Challenger 350 class). Currently losing ~1 overnight jet stay per week due to lack of hangar space.
Project Description
Airport utilization is limited by lack of hangar and parking space for larger aircraft. This hangar includes a minimum door height of 21.5' and door width of 65-75'. The parking apron provides concrete parking for three fuel trucks and asphalt apron for two jets, connecting the hangar to the existing taxilane. This hangar is a prerequisite for applying for corporate fuel contracts and will significantly increase airport utilization.
Economic Impact
• 30% increase in jet traffic over 3 years
• Double business aviation fuel sales (12K→24K gal/yr)
• ~100 additional monthly tourist visits by 2030
• Est. $768,000/year local economic impact
Who Pays
PJC Cash $250K • PJC Loan $250K • County Grant $300K (requested) • Unmet Need $200K
Note
Hangar reverts to County ownership at end of PJC lease term.
Total Project Cost
$850,000 - $1,000,000
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Full Service FBO Equipment

Jan-Jul 2027
Purpose
Acquire equipment needed to service larger and more complex aircraft at the new hangar facility.
Project Description
Conduct phased purchases and develop training programs for ground support equipment essential to servicing business jets. This equipment enables the airport to provide full-service support comparable to larger regional FBOs, removing service limitations that currently constrain business aviation growth.
Equipment
• Heavy-duty aircraft tug and towbar (14,000-50,000 lbs capacity)
• Lavatory service cart
• Ground Power Units (GPU) with electrical infrastructure
• De-ice cart for winter operations
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Private Investment)
Total Investment
$100,000
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Dedicated Hot Refuel Point Installation

2027-2030
Purpose
Safety: Deconflict rotary-wing (helicopter) and fixed-wing traffic. Current hot refuel operations on Taxiway A3 create disruption and wake turbulence hazards.

Capacity: Double fuel throughput for large helicopter flights (4+ aircraft).
Project Description
The only safe place to conduct hot refuels is currently on Taxiway A3. With high daily volume of fixed-wing training traffic, helicopters face challenges accessing the hot refuel point. Dedicated helipads allow complete deconfliction of rotary and fixed-wing traffic. The project includes two concrete helipads capable of accommodating a V-22 Osprey, with asphalt connectors and partial taxiway segment. Each helipad includes a skid-mounted hose reel and fuel truck parking spot. The helipads are "terped" for low-level landing providing deconfliction from fixed-wing traffic.
Who Pays
Primary: Defense Community Infrastructure Grant (DCIP)
Backup: FAA/CDOT Discretionary Funds
Local Match: Up to 5%
Timeline
Schedule A (North Pad): 2027-2028
Schedule B (South Pad): 2028-2029
Schedule C (Optional Taxiway): 2029-2030
Total Project Cost (DCIP)
Up to $2,466,845
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Hot Refuel Point Design

Blue = Schedule A (North Pad) • Yellow = Schedule B (South Pad + Taxiway) • Red = Schedule C (Optional)

Hot Refuel Point Layout Diagram
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2028-2029 Projects

Private Hangar Development

2028-2029
Purpose
Facilitate private hangar construction on new ground lease plots created by 2026 taxilane project. Up to 6-12 privately owned hangars by 2035.
Project Description
Airport growth is constrained by hangar availability, especially in a location with unpredictable and destructive weather. Private developers will build and own their hangars on County-leased land, creating sustainable revenue for the County while expanding airport capacity. The Airport Layout Plan (ALP) shows potential for 6-12 privately owned 60'x60' (or similar sized) hangars. PJC will assist in finding creative funding solutions for interested hangar developers.
Who Pays
Private Developers (ground leases to County)
Revenue to County
$100-300/month per hangar (based on size)
Private Investment Potential
$400,000 - $1,200,000
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AVGAS Fuel Truck

2028
Purpose
Dedicated AVGAS (piston aircraft fuel) truck to improve service for general aviation while Jet-A trucks service military and business aircraft.
Project Description
With growing military and business aviation fuel demands requiring Jet-A trucks, a separate AVGAS truck ensures general aviation pilots receive prompt fueling service without waiting for Jet-A operations to complete. This improves customer experience and supports the projected growth in general aviation operations from 7,582 (2025) to over 9,000 (2030).
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers
Total Investment
TBD
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DLA & CAA Fuel Contracts

2028
Purpose
Secure Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Corporate Aviation Association (CAA) fuel contracts to expand the airport's customer base. A DLA contract allows government and military aircraft to purchase fuel using government credit cards at pre-negotiated rates, increasing military utilization beyond the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. CAA membership provides access to corporate flight departments seeking fuel discounts, expanding business aviation traffic. These contracts require adequate hangar and service infrastructure, making the main hangar a prerequisite for contract eligibility.
Who Pays
Pinnacle Jet Centers (Administrative)
Total Investment
Administrative Only
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Parking Lot Repairs

2028
Purpose
Phased repairs to airport parking lot to support increased traffic from hangar development and events.
Project Description
The airport parking lot has deteriorated significantly and requires phased repairs. Repairs will be prioritized based on budget availability and coordinated with other pavement projects to maximize cost efficiency. Improved parking supports the projected increase in passenger enplanements from 624 (2025) to 936 (2030) and accommodates larger events like the 90th Anniversary celebration.
Who Pays
TBD (Joint effort)
Total Investment
TBD
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Airport Layout Plan - Future Hangar Development Areas

Green areas indicate planned private hangar development zones

Airport Layout Plan showing future hangar areas
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